Residents urged to take care burning off

As temperatures begin to heat up, CFA has urged residents in the state’s south east to take extreme care when burning off.

CFA Assistant Chief Officer Trevor Owen reminded residents to register their burn off with CFA and check the local conditions on the day.

“Even if you have registered your burn, conditions can change quickly and fires can get out of control within minutes in hot and windy conditions,” ACO Owen said.

“The effects of an out-of-control fire can be devastating and we want everyone to excise extreme caution, especially with summer only just beginning.”

Manager Community Safety for the South East Region Jude Kennedy said although the Fire Danger Period was still to be introduced in the region, residents should be aware of weather conditions along with council Local Laws.

“We’re also reminding people to always register their burn-offs so we know what is happening in the area, especially if brigades are being called to fires,” Mr Kennedy said.

“It reduces the chances of CFA brigades being called out unnecessarily if a member of the public calls about smoke or a fire in the area.”

He added that people should never leave a burn-off unattended as it’s the resident’s responsibility to ensure that it does not get out of control.

“If a burn off gets out of control, call ‘000’ immediately. People should have a fire plan and prepare for the event of fire, and remember never to be complacent.”